Leading Engineering Endeavours

The Leading Engineering Endeavours Project is undertaken by Level 5 engineering students at Birmingham City University (BCU). This year, 101 students took part and put into interdisciplinary teams drawn from mechanical, automotive, electronic and manufacturing disciplines. The teams were set a challenge by the Environment Agency to design and make a low-cost ‘disruptive technology’ prototype for monitoring air quality. Teams had regular interactions with the client and presented their solutions at the Innovation Fest 2024 event, held at BCU.

JOINT FIRST PLACE: S2P

Project:

The S2P is a versatile air quality monitor. Suitable for schools, universities, homes, and workplaces, the S2P measures and alerts users to hazardous particulate levels, recording and transmitting data to the Environment Agency. Working closely with the client, the team created a device which doubles as a business card holder and can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing. The device is powered by a 9V rechargeable battery and controlled by an Arduino ESP32. It features CO2, VOC, and PM2.5 sensors and an OLED screen.

Students:

  • Jaskaren Bassi – Mechanical Engineering
  • Joseph Blackman Mechanical Engineering
  • Elijah Lule Busulwa – Electronic Engineering
  • Daniel Craig Morton – Mechanical Engineering
  • Aleem Sultan – Mechanical Engineering
  • Teejay Kainth – Mechanical Engineering

Awarded: £1,000

JOINT FIRST PLACE: ENVIROMETER

Project:

The Envirometer is an innovative air quality monitor designed to combat pollution and promote healthier living. It tracks pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NH3, NO2), temperature, humidity, noise, pressure, and light. Data is displayed on the device and via a web server with historical records viewable over different time frames. Made from eco-friendly materials, it’s portable for indoor and outdoor use. We plan to include a streak-based system, a persuasive technology to enhance user engagement and promote consistency. Developed with the Government’s Environment Agency, it aims to raise air quality awareness in homes, schools, universities, and workplaces.

Students:

  • Faisal Khan – Electronic Engineering
  • Miles Warren – Manufacturing Engineering
  • Oluwakoyipada Jaiyeoba – Electronic Engineering
  • Lauren Fletcher – Mechanical Engineering
  • Ahsan Ali – Mechanical Engineering

Awarded: £1,000

JOINT FIRST PLACE: INHALE-EXHALE

Project:

The Inhale-Exhale air quality monitor combines two aspects of health – thing seen, and things not seen. It uses GPS data to track running stats such as steps and distance (the visible health aspect) and tracked the air pollution encountered on journeys (the invisible health aspect). The device, when strapped to the arm of an avid runner, increases engagement in both aspects, helping protect them from harmful airborne particulates.

Students:

  • Vincenzo Urso – Mechanical Engineering
  • Ryan Farrow – Mechanical Engineering
  • Prince Adomako – Electronic Engineering
  • Nicholas Wong – Electronic Engineering

Awarded: £1,000

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

This module creates a real-world working environment, preparing students for placements and their first jobs. It’s fast-paced and challenging—but also rewarding. The results speak for themselves, as it consistently achieves the best results in the College. By the end, students proudly say, “We made this!”. I love teaching it.”

Mark Regan
Visiting Lecturer
Birmingham City University